Tricycle travel

My first experience of driving on the wrong side of the road, in a manual car and in the Philippines, was over and done.

I was now facing my next first. Heading off on a tricycle to do some grocery shopping at Robinsons (which has become a regular occurrence for Carol).

Going there was no problem as we were the first two passengers to get into the tricycle. So we could get the "best seats" sitting side by side, facing the front of the cab. Our destination was called "Tamiya" which I later learned is a large company in the economic zone (MEPZ - Mactan Export Processing Zone) where our factory is located.

We arrived at the "terminus" and had a very hot, short walk around the area. Again we were struck by the difference in the buildings and conditions from house to house, shop to shop and building to building. They range from modern and clean to dark and disgusting. The pavement is littered with water pipes and water meters. Electricity wires and electricity meters. And at times the stench of sewage makes one gasp. With all this it has a certain charm and fascination.

Close to Robinsons we found a delightful little Japanese restaurant where we had a delicious lunch washed down with some local beers and Sprite which set us back the princely sum of PHP250 (around $6). Feeling well fed we then went shopping. At we left with 3 packets I was quite keen to take a taxi, but Carol Ann was persistent that we complete the tricycle experience.

Private trip from shopping- $1.70

Arriving at the "terminus" there are rows of tricycles and someone who appears to be loading them with arriving passengers. Requesting a tricycle to Abuno (the only reference I can find to Abuno on Google maps is a school down our road, so they are possibly related), we were then directed to a tricycle in which the best seats (inside facing forward) were taken. So I hunched down and shuffled into the seat facing outwards with my back to the driver. Carol sat just in front of me with her feet outside the cab.

This was to be a short term arrangement. My back was obstructing the handlebars so I was asked to take the seat behind the driver. There was already someone sitting there so I sat in front of him. Side by side we filled the pillion seat.

Carol had the three bags of shopping and was precariously balanced on the outside of the cab. One more passenger arrived, the driver climbed onto the petrol tank and we set off home.

As the tricycle went along passengers started getting off and Carol eventually moved into a safer inside seat while I happily (although occasionally a bit nervously as the cars and motor bikes shot passed my knees) sat side saddle and watched the passing scenery.

Another very different experience was over. And an increased appreciation of what a privileged and indulged life we are fortunate enough to live.